Quickly grab your stein, put on a dirndl and lederhosen and get ready for the Oktoberfest celebrations!
Oktoberfest, starting on Saturday 21st at 7pm and running until 6th October, is set to become one of the most extravagant events of the year. Originally, it began as a celebration of the royal wedding of King Ludwig, who invited the entire city to join in the festivities. Today, the essence of the celebration remains much the same.
Decorations:
Before even considering the food, it’s important to set up a stunning table spread, whether for a cosy dinner party at home or a larger Oktoberfest event. The decorations don’t have to be limited to beer barrels—think wooden accents, fairy lights, yellow flowers, and the iconic blue and white diamond pattern. This design, called a lozenge, originates from the Bavarian flag.
Food:
As we’re in the hospitality industry, we KNOW that food is the heart of any event (though we’ll make an exception for the beer at Oktoberfest!). Luckily, we have an abundance of delicious traditional German fare, and our suggestions for creating an authentic Oktoberfest experience are sure to impress your guests.
Pretzels (or Brezels as we like to call them):
These breaded delights can be served on their own, either savoury or sweet. You can choose from the Swabian Style pretzel from Emma-Jane’s Foodservice, or opt for a non-traditional version, such as our Danish-style Bretzel, infused with almond and custard or Chocolate.
Bratwurst:
Unlike the sausages we’re familiar with in bangers and mash, the bratwurst is the traditional German term for ‘sausage’. German bratwurst is known for its distinctive seasoning, particularly marjoram, and is traditionally made with pork and veal.
Sauerkraut:
This fermented cabbage pairs perfectly with processed meats like bratwurst. Sauerkraut is also well known for its natural probiotics, aiding digestion and gut health. You can pick up a jar from our friends at the Good Food Group!
Spaetzle:
These soft egg noodles, similar to pasta, are often served with melted cheese (Käsespätzle). Think of it as the German version of mac and cheese, a perfect accompaniment to bratwurst or stew.
Kartoffelsalat (Potato Salad):
Much like the potato salad we all love, Kartoffelsalat is made from boiled potatoes, but with a twist—infused with beef broth and white vinegar to give it that authentic German taste. We’ve found a fantastic recipe for Kartoffelsalat here!
